It’s brilliant to see more book awards being devised specially to celebrate the treasure trove of wonderful children’s books which are being published at the moment.

As a regular subscriber of The Week Junior, I was delighted to read that they were launching a brand new award for children’s books. They always champion a brilliant selection of titles in their book section so I was looking forward to seeing who would be nominated and who would win. Well, the wait is over and the winners are:

Children’s Book of the Year: Older Fiction

“There are three doors that I may show you. You will find a different kind of power behind each one …’

Adam has found something incredible in a rubbish dump in London. A mysterious, mythical, magical animal. A TYGER.

And the tyger is in danger.

Adam and his friend Zadie are determined to help, but it isn’t just the tyger’s life at stake. Their whole world is on the verge of destruction. Can they learn to use their powers before it’s too late?”

Children’s Book of the Year: Breakthrough

“Twelve-year-olds Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle are from different worlds – Lizzie lives in Westminster in her dad’s tea shop, while Belle is an heiress being brought up by her aunt and uncle at grand Kenwood House – but they both share a love of solving mysteries.

And when their eyes meet in the audience of the Drury Lane theatre one night, both girls are sure they’ve seen something suspicious on stage.

Lizzie and Belle soon find themselves on the trail of a mystery – and becoming best friends. But can they work out what’s going on in time to prevent a murder?”

Children’s Illustrated Book of the Year

“Frankie knows she’s not like anyone else in her class: she’s different, but she can’t quite figure out why.

Is it the new freckle on her nose, or the fact she’s small for her age? Or that she has to go to the hospital sometimes? Everyone else seems to think she’s weird too, and they make fun of her at school.

Frankie’s dad left when she was a baby – maybe he was different too? It would explain why she always feels like an alien. So she and her best-friend Sam, embark on a mission to track him down.”

Children’s Book of the Year: Younger Fiction

“Pack your bags – we’re off to a holiday camp! Milo can’t wait to see the wildlife, Manny’s learning survival skills, and even Granny’s going to have a go at archery. Honestly, I just want to read my book, but there’s NEVER any time to relax for Anisha, Accidental Detective. The holiday park’s mascot, Delilah the duck, has been DESTROYED, and my new friend Cleo is everyone’s number one suspect. But I’m sure she’s innocent, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to prove it. Let’s hope we can find the real culprit, and QUACK the case!!”

Children’s Book of the Year: Older Non-Fiction

“Find out the fascinating stories of ten real-life dragons, the myths and legends surrounding them, their discoveries and how they survive today.

For centuries, dragons have captured our imaginations, guarding troves of treasure and breathing out fire. They appear in many myths and legends from around the world, some soaring through the air on scaly wings; some lurking in caves underground and some diving the depths of the seas and oceans.

While there is, sadly, no such thing as a fire-breathing dragon, there are still dragons alive today in the animal kingdom. One of them can even fly. This book brings together the stories of ten real-life dragons, with fascinating facts mixed with some folklore. There are also tales of how these extraordinary creatures were discovered and about their adaptations for surviving in the wild.

Are you ready for the wildlife safari of a lifetime?”

Children’s Book Cover of the Year

“Some legends are born, some are drawn . . .

Famous works of art are disappearing from all over the world. One moment they are there, the next, they have crumbled to dust. Peanut Jones, artist and adventurer, and her friends suspect it might have something to do with the magical world of Chroma and the wicked Mr White’s plot to wipe out colour, art and creativity. It’s time to head back to the Illustrated City and help the resistance fight back. . .”

Children’s Book of the Year: STEM

“Join an astronaut for a day as she goes on her first ever spacewalk, and new crew members arrive. Find out how she trained for her mission and what it’s like living and working in space. How do you eat and drink at zero gravity? How do space toilets work? What are space suits designed for?”

Children’s Audiobook of the Year

“Follow our fearless adventurers Otto (and Missy, the smartest bird in the universe) as they set out on their next action-packed Ladybird Audio Adventure!

On this adventure, we’re going to travel all around the globe and learn more about the seven natural wonders of the world!

Dive amongst the coral in the weird and wonderful Great Barrier Reef in sunny Australia, climb to the coldest heights of Mount Everest and strap in for some splashingly good fun down the rapids at The Grand Canyon. There are many more natural wonders to visit and so much more to learn and discover about them all ,so don’t miss out on this global adventure!”

Children’s Book of the Year: Younger Non-Fiction

“A book for every child, with a host of projects, ideas and activities to help them to feel positive, confident, focused, calm, relaxed, inclusive and included. The activities help young children to build resilience to big, overwhelming feelings and to feel connected to themselves and to others.”

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So there you have it – the winners! And what a wonderful collection they make. There are some there which are going to make their way onto my Christmas shopping list.

Jo.